Yoane Wissa U-turn surprises Brentford boss after £55m Newcastle United transfer
Brentford manager Keith Andrews has broken his silence on Yoane Wissa’s move to Newcastle United.
Keith Andrews wanted Yoane Wissa to stay at Brentford but understands the decision to sell him to Newcastle United.
Brentford had looked to have priced Newcastle out of a move for Wissa having already turned down two bids.
But after the Magpies agreed to sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British record £130million on deadline day, they returned with an offer the West London simply couldn’t refuse.
A £55m agreement was struck with Wissa penning a four-year contract and taking the iconic number nine shirt at St James’ Park.
Brentford boss Keith Andrews on Yoane Wissa’s exit
It was a development that came as a surprise to Bees head coach Andrews, who days earlier told the media he expected the 29-year-old to remain put.
Andrews explained: “[I’m] understanding of it, more than anything. When we spoke previously about it, all along I was very much expecting Yoane to stay. I think up until the very last press conference before we played Sunderland, he was nowhere near a move and that’s pretty much where I was and wanted Yoane to stay.
“I didn’t really want to lose that amount of goals out of the building but equally, I am very understanding of the way this club works and the medium to long-term future of the club is very, very important.”
Brentford director of football Phil Giles on Yoane Wissa
Giving an insight into the club’s decision to sell Wissa, director of football Phil Giles said earlier this month: “The big story is selling Yoane Wissa. He was a fantastic player for us, started off playing wide and evolved to take on the no.9 position and had a brilliant season last year.
“He was a really good, infectious character who was positive around the players and the fans. I personally liked him a lot as well, so there’s nothing but positive things to say about his performances on the pitch for us.
“Transfers are always complicated. There’s always a little bit of emotion, friction and dialogue. That normally stays in house but obviously this one spilled out. It’s not the only one this summer that has spilled out a little bit more into the public domain which is, from my point of view, not ideal.
“Nevertheless, it happened and we had to manage that. For me, fundamentally, when you have to make a decision about transfers, and complicated decisions - decisions which are impactful on the pitch and also off the pitch in terms of the club’s whole overall position - you need to stay focused on what is the right decision for the club, not whether it’s in public or not in public.
“You have got to take the emotions out of it and got to ultimately make the decisions for the club. Every decision I make or we make collectively during a transfer window will strip all of the emotion out of it and focus purely on what is the right decision in this moment in time for the club overall."
Yoane Wissa ruled out of Newcastle United vs Wolves
Wissa didn’t feature for Brentford whilst speculation surrounded his future, and his wait for a Premier League appearance this season goes on after being ruled out of Newcastle’s clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday due to a knee issue.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “Unfortunately not, no, so he won't make this game. I saw him for the first time yesterday [Thursday]. He's feeling the effects of the injury sustained just before he came off so we're going to have to see how he is.”